Physical Therapy
Pre-Requisite: Honors Physical Science minimum C or higher in 8th grade
The Physical Therapy strand offers students the opportunity to earn a certification as a rehabilitation/physical therapy aide at the end of their Junior year in high school. During the Senior year of this strand, students will be given the opportunity to complete course work modeled after Miami Dade College’s Physical Therapy Assistant Program. Students will learn through hands on training in a simulated lab setting and clinical setting. The student will also be offered the opportunity to earn a certification as a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA). This strand prepares the student for entry into a college Physical Therapy program.
Meet the Instructor
Meet Ms. Diaz...
- MDCPS High School Health Science instructor since 1999
- RMEC Health Science instructor and Academy Leader since 2004
- The only registered/licensed Physical Therapist teaching in MDCPS
- American Physical Therapy Association Credentialed Clinical Instructor Level 1
- Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)
- OHSA Authorized Trainer- General Industry
- HOSA Advisor- Gold Coast Region
Mrs. Diaz is a product of MDCPS, having graduated from Miami Killian Senior High School in 1986. Following high school, Mrs. Diaz attended Florida International University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy in 1990. She has worked in the Physical Therapy field in a variety of settings including acute care, sub-acute care, rehabilitation hospital, out-patient, skilled nursing facility, and long-term care. She has held various positions in these settings including Staff Physical Therapist, Senior Physical Therapist, Director of Physical Therapy, and Director of Rehabilitation. Her love for teaching in the clinical setting and her love for Physical Therapy brought her to MDCPS as a teacher in the medical magnet program.
Experience Nursing
Experience Physical Therapy
What we study…
- 9th grade: Health Science Anatomy and Physiology
- 10th grade: Health Science Foundations
- 11th grade: Allied Health Assisting: Rehabilitation Aide
- 12th grade: Health Occupations Education Directed Study in Physical Therapy
What we do…
- Certification as a rehabilitation/physical therapy aide
- Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)
- Hands on training in a simulated lab, classroom, and off-site clinical practicum settings
- Preparation for entry into a college Physical Therapy program.
HOSA- Future Health Professionals
HOSA- Future Health Professionals is a national organization that operates as an integral component of the Health Science Education curriculum. Through its association with global, state, and local chapters, HOSA provides powerful instructional tools, recognition, leadership, networking, scholarships, and connections within the healthcare industry to thousands of members across the United States and abroad. Through the HOSA Competitive Events program, members can showcase their health care and leadership skills in over 55 different events related to all aspects of the health care industry. HOSA- Future Health Professionals develops dedicated, passionate students and establishes their pathway toward a successful career in the Healthcare professions.
Contact Information
Tammy Diaz
TammyDiaz@dadeschools.net
HOSA Instagram @hosa.rmec